Longtime pastors of James River Church announce 'leadership transition'
John and Debbie Lindell announced plans Sunday to gradually step back from serving as the lead pastors of the James River Church over the next four years.
The Lindells have led what is now a multi-site megachurch based in Ozark with campuses in Springfield and Joplin for more than 30 years.
In a short video Sunday, the Lindells announced their sons and daughters-in-laws — David and Becky Lindell and Brandon and Beth Lindell — will become co-lead pastors of the church in 2027.
"One of the surprises in our ministry has been blessing and the joy of getting to work with our kids — David, Brandon and Savannah," said Debbie Lindell, in the video. "When we started this journey, we honestly never imagined that it would be possible."
The sons have served in various leadership roles over the past 12 years. John Lindell said they have become "great leaders and skilled communicators."
"What has been made clear is that God has prepared them, and is preparing them, for a new season of leadership," he said, in the video.
Their daughter, Savannah, will be an executive ministry pastor.
Of the children, John Lindell said God has "called each of them to lead the church into the future."
In the announcement, the couple said they will take a series of incremental steps in the next four years to make the transition complete.
However, once they step back from the lead role, John and Debbie Lindell plan to stay on.
"When that transition takes place, John and I will continue to serve right here at James River Church on the team in a new role to help move the vision forward," she said.
In addition to the video, the announcement was made during Sunday services.
"When James River was starting we knew it was with a mandate to reach the next generation. Through the years, your willingness to embrace change has helped keep the church vibrant and its ministry effective," said John Lindell, in the video.
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In closing, John Lindell said: "God's hand is undeniably on James River Church. We are experiencing a historic move of God as more people are coming to Christ than ever before, more people are being baptized than ever before, and we are seeing unprecedented miracles of healing take place and the church, on top of all of that, is making a global impact. We're excited about what this announcement means for the future of James River."
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Longtime pastors of James River Church plans to step back from role
